He fondly call'd her willing ear
With all attention due to hear.
Quæ Genus.
"Plac'd as we are, it seems to be
The height of that prosperity
Which such as we can e'er enjoy;
And it becomes us to employ
The means it offers to possess
Our views of future happiness.
I doubt not, Molly, but you feel,
For your sweet lady, all the zeal,
Which flows alike from due regard
As the just hope of due reward:
But still, I think, it must appear
That we've a doubtful course to steer; |
How we may keep within the line,
Our great folks' interest to combine
With what we know is yours and mine. | } |
They are with generous grace endued,
To us how kind they are and good.
But life with them is nought but pleasure;
Luxurious show fills up the measure
Of all their hours, as they run on
Through each meander of the Ton.
They sometimes talk of prudent schemes,
And reason's language veils the dreams;
But the incessant love of change
Invites the unreflecting range
'Neath ev'ry dome where pride resorts
And fashion holds her motley courts;
Though while they for their pleasures roam
We too well know their cost at home.
This proud parade can never last,
Their ready wealth will soon be past.
—Nay, when I bring the month's account,
And silent point to the amount;
He tells my Lady what I've done,
And she exclaims, ''tis precious fun!—
We need not for our ruin fear
With such a careful guardian near!'
When I point out the triple charge
In many a bill display'd at large,
She says, 'Quæ Genus, do not grieve,
Tradesmen, my honest friend, must live!
Nay, when from service you retire,
And sit all plodding by your fire
In thought what profits should repay
The labours of the closing day;— |
When o'er some door we see your name,
A dealer of great retail fame,
You have our leave to do the same.' | } |
"I made my bow and answer'd nought,
But then I paid it off in thought;
And, as their gen'rous leave they give,
Like others to play tricks and live,
I may begin, perhaps, before
My name is painted on the door;